Want to Be a Better Screen Actor? Start Here—with the Team Deakins Podcast

Neil Mulac
Jun 2
4 min read

For actors seeking to deepen their understanding of filmmaking, the Team Deakins podcast offers invaluable insights.

In May 2025, while receiving the British Film Institute Fellowship, Tom Cruise urged aspiring actors to delve deeper into the filmmaking process. He emphasized the importance of understanding technical aspects like lighting, camera lenses, and composition, noting that such knowledge is often lacking in drama school curricula. Cruise highlighted that legendary actors like Marlon Brando and Jack Nicholson mastered these elements, enhancing their performances. He advised actors to spend time in editing rooms and study old movies to fully grasp the art of filmmaking.

Cruise's perspective underscores a fundamental truth: the more an actor comprehends the various components of filmmaking—from technical elements to the contributions of each department—the more nuanced and authentic their performance becomes.

Unlocking the Craft: The Team Deakins Podcast

For actors seeking to deepen their understanding of filmmaking, the Team Deakins podcast offers invaluable insights. Hosted by acclaimed cinematographer Roger Deakins and his collaborator James Deakins, the podcast features conversations with industry professionals, shedding light on various aspects of film production. By grasping these concepts, actors can align their performances with the visual narrative, ensuring a cohesive and compelling portrayal.

Appreciating the Roles of the Film Crew

A film set comprises various departments, each contributing to the final product. Episodes featuring production designer Suzie Davies and compositing supervisor Jon Alexander provide insights into how set design and visual effects shape the storytelling process.

Recognizing the efforts of these departments allows actors to interact more effectively on set, fostering a collaborative environment that enhances the overall production quality.

Learning from the Editing Room

Cruise emphasized the value of spending time in the editing room. The Team Deakins podcast echoes this sentiment, with episodes discussing the editor's role in shaping performances. Understanding how scenes are cut and assembled can help actors deliver takes that provide editors with the necessary material to craft compelling narratives.

Gaining Clarity on the Business of Film and Television

Beyond the creative aspects, the podcast also touches on the business side of the industry. Conversations with professionals like Zach Braff, who has experience as an actor, writer, and director, offer perspectives on navigating the industry's commercial landscape.

These discussions can equip actors with knowledge about production processes, budgeting, and the importance of versatility in the industry.

Elevate Your Craft

Incorporating the insights from the Team Deakins podcast into your acting journey can be transformative. By understanding the technical and collaborative elements of filmmaking, actors can deliver performances that are not only authentic but also harmoniously integrated into the film's visual and narrative structure.

As Tom Cruise aptly stated, mastering the tools around you is crucial. So, if you're aiming to elevate your on-camera performance, start here—with the Team Deakins podcast.

Bonus: 10 Must-Listen Team Deakins Episodes for On-Camera Actors

Ready to explore the Team Deakins podcast but not sure where to begin? These ten standout episodes offer a powerful mix of artistic insight, technical awareness, and storytelling wisdom—perfect for actors who want to grow beyond the frame.

Michael Shannon—Actor Shannon discusses character development, on-set collaboration, and how to ground performances in truth, even in extreme circumstances. This is a compelling episode on emotional commitment and working with complex material.
Adrien Brody – Actor Oscar-winner for The Pianist, Brody dives into preparation techniques, trust in directors, and how he navigates physicality and silence on screen. Essential listening for actors exploring subtlety and restraint.
Tim Blake Nelson—Actor, Writer, Director Nelson shares how his directing experience has influenced his acting and vice versa. His understanding of script, structure, and tone is invaluable for actors looking to see the bigger picture.
Ethan Hawke – Actor, Writer, Director This wide-ranging conversation covers the creative process, collaboration, and how actors can thrive by staying curious. Hawke’s reflections on longevity and artistic evolution are especially meaningful.
Rick Carter – Production Designer (Avatar, Lincoln) Not an actor? No problem. Carter’s insights into production design help actors understand how their performances are framed and enhanced by the world around them, which is key to making physical choices on set.
The Art of Editing – with Joe Walker (Dune, Arrival) This episode gives actors an editor's-eye view of performance. Learn what makes a take usable, how rhythm affects screen presence, and why simplicity often wins.
The Actor-Director Relationship – with Joel Coen Explore the working relationship between actor and director from one of the industry’s most iconic filmmakers. Great insight into how choices are made collaboratively on set.
Working with Roger – with Denis Villeneuve The director of Dune and Arrival, discusses how he and Roger Deakins craft visual language and performance tone. An excellent primer on how actors can align their choices with directorial vision.
Dialogue and Silence—with Sound Designer Richard King Understand how your vocal presence—and even your silence—impacts storytelling. This is a must-listen for actors thinking about how their sound effects and voice shape character and mood.
The Cinematographer’s View – Roundtable with ASC DPs This panel episode with several renowned cinematographers offers a wealth of perspective on how lighting, framing, and movement influence performance. Actors often overlook this side of the process—don’t make that mistake.

For more screen, stage, and voice-over acting tips and techniques, check out our other posts on The Intrepid Actor. And be sure to visit our website at Everything Cinema Productions to see how we can support your acting journey!